Cougars notebook -- Published Feb. 26, 2008

The California Cougars went winless last weekend at New Jersey and Philadelphia, but they returned with a forward who has a deft scoring touch.

Jagdip Dhillon

The California Cougars went winless last weekend at New Jersey and Philadelphia, but they returned with a forward who has a deft scoring touch.

Coach Bernie Lilavois returned to the field Saturday in Philadelphia, but his presence didn't prevent the Cougars (8-13) from losing for the ninth time in 10 games. California has fallen two games behind Monterrey (10-11) for the Major Indoor Soccer League's sixth and final playoff spot with nine games remaining.

Lilavois had an assist in the Cougars' 19-15 loss to the KiXX. The rash of injuries the team has suffered forced Lilavois to put on the uniform again. The team petitioned the league to allow him to do so, because the league prohibits head coaches from being active players. Lilavois and Philadelphia's Don D'Ambra are the exceptions.

Lilavois retired as a player last season after he became the coach, even though he was one of the team's top offensive weapons. He found his comfort zone quickly on Saturday.

"It felt good," Lilavois said. "It was cool putting on a uniform and doing all of the things I've done in the past."

Lilavois hopes his return can spark California to a strong finish, beginning with a tough two-game trip this weekend at second-place Detroit (14-7) on Friday and first-place Milwaukee (15-7) on Sunday.

"The playoffs start this weekend," Lilavois said. "We're still not out of it. It's nothing that's unachievable."

The Cougars won't have Brian Farber (right MCL) until March 8 at the earliest. Naldo (fractured nose and orbital bone) likely will miss two to three weeks. Craig Scheer (back) will be re-evaluated by doctors this week.

Forward Chris Handsor re-aggravated a right hamstring strain in Philadelphia, so he and Antonio Sutton (right kneecap) are questionable this weekend. That means Lilavois will have to rely on rookies Pedro Lupercio, Majell Alterado, Aaron Bonser and Lee Williams.

Franck M'Bemba's original five-game contract expired after the New Jersey match last week, but the Cougars signed him for the rest of the season. Lilavois said M'Bemba's understanding of the system has improved, and he expects him to be a major contributor down the stretch.